Staff turnover in social work

Staff turnover is a complex phenomenon that has become increasingly relevant in today's modern world. Although this issue is widely recognised, there has so far been little more than speculation, with only limited insights into the factors influencing the departure of social workers from social services in the Canton of Bern. Factors influencing staff turnover are examined at the individual, organisational and macro-economic/institutional levels. By additionally documenting the decision-making process behind staff turnover, the analysis broadens the perspective to include further factors leading to a decision to change jobs. In this context, the impact of job satisfaction on staff turnover plays a decisive role. Using the example of social work professionals, decision-making processes are illustrated and influencing factors identified through semi-structured interviews. The analysis confirms that the interactions between intrinsic and extrinsic factors discussed in the theoretical section have a decisive influence on the decision-making process.